PRIME MINISTER James Marape and Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang faced each other at a dialogue organised by the Student Representative Councils of the six universities in the country on Wednesday 5th April 2023 was hailed a success.
The universities that participated were; University of Technology (UNITECH), University of Goroka (UoG), Divine Word University (DWU), IBS University (IBSU), Western Pacific University (WPU) and University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) as the host.
The event themed “Where is PNG heading? Are we achieving the vision of our forefathers? We must know the progress of our country” was first of its kind and making it historical in the 48 years since the country’s independence.
The topics were well researched and three-quarters of the questions were actually directed at the Government and its inability to fulfil promises, and key issues including current economic challenges, unemployment, inflation, Constitutional reviews among others.
Both leaders responded outlining their opinions towards the issues raised.
PM Marape gave his view pinpointing what the government are doing to address the issues.
On the other end, Opposition Leader’s responses which hopefully sends a message that the Opposition is aware of national issues and not sleeping.
Mr Lelang said as the Opposition Leader, and the Opposition MPs in this Parliamentary term, are not there to get some political mileage out of criticising the government but will display a new type of leadership going forward.
“It is very important to provide solutions on how we can address the issues affecting our country,” Mr Lelang said.
Mr Lelang thanked the UPNG SRC president and presidents of all other universities in the country for making the event possible.
He requested for the students to organise another time, where the Opposition is able to share its policies to take the country forward.
The PM was taken to task by the student leaders to give updates on the outstanding commitments made over the years since taking office in 2019.
The president of DWU SRC Jayson Ray raised questions on the lack of proper consultation by members of the Constitutional Law Reform Committee (CLRC) handling the consultation on the election of the Prime Minister.
While the UNITECH SRC president Jenzi Walipi raised concerns on the other daily pressing issues and the Government’s decision to establish the Gold Bullion issue with foreigners now taking centre stage in discussions in the country by citizens.
